Moving Pictures

For as long as I can remember, I've been captivated by the world of moving images. As a kid, I loved exploring various forms of media, from audio cassettes to videotapes. The concept of multimedia has always intrigued me. Before I even realized that one could be a serious artist or filmmaker, I was already fascinated by these formats. Throughout school and beyond, image making has been at the core of my creative pursuits, both professionally and personally.

Photography and cinema have always been closely linked in my mind. In recent years, I've delved even deeper into this relationship, incorporating stock footage, public domain films, and other cinematic sources into my artistic practice. One way I've channeled this creative curiosity is by adding video embellishments to live musical performances. I've long dreamed of creating stage projections akin to those at concerts I've attended, like Anton Corbijn's visuals for Depeche Mode or U2, or the underground film footage at 1980s concerts at the Ritz in New York City.

In the past few years, I've had the opportunity to create multiple video projections for Chatter, an Albuquerque-based chamber music ensemble. They have given me the creative freedom to experiment with video on a larger scale. However, the technology for projection software and video manipulation is constantly evolving. The simple software I once used is no longer supported, so I'm always on the lookout for new solutions.

Recently, I discovered a fantastic software called VDMX5. I have a huge project coming up in a few weeks that requires reliable software for live video manipulations in a concert setting. VDMX5 has proven to be the perfect solution. It's powerful, easy to learn, and highly customizable, meeting all my needs. Not only am I thrilled about this upcoming performance, but VDMX5 has sparked new ideas for future video projects and public performances. I can't wait to see what else I can create with this amazing software. A big thank you to the makers of VDMX5!

Another Trip around The Sun

Today is my birthday. 57 years ago I came out of the quiet unknown of the womb... of non-existence… of the great nothing, or maybe the great everything. I am a survivor, as you are as well. No matter your age or station in life, we are here, we have survived the trials and tribulations that life throws at us. Congratulations to you and to me.

This past year has been especially hard for me, and the ups and downs that inevitably come have challenged me in ways before unknown. If I believed in God (capital G) I would thank him for giving me the strength and wisdom to carry on. There are clearly other forces out there in the universe that push and pull energy around me, and through me, too. This energy mostly manifests itself in my art; my self-expression. I am grateful to have it. I might not be here without it.

Good things have come to me, mostly wrapped in love and honesty and when I am am open and receptive to it. When I am dark, it is hard for any light to shine through. I continue to do the work…inside and outside of myself. Even when it is hard, or when my lethargic self kicks any ambition to the curb… I strive. One small act a day. Something made from my heart, deep from within, manifesting it to a tangible reality. Mostly junk that piles up in my studio. Mistakes, short tangents, tests and trials and failures. Always failures. Gratitude for the failures.

I’ve been down a rabbit hole recently, listening to an audiobook by a Jungian psychologist and it is hitting me strongly. Second half of life shit is no joke. If you’ve been there (or are there now) you know what I’m talking about. If you are a younger person, scoff all you want at these words, as I would have if I read something this sappy (or heavy…or brutally honest) when I was a younger lad.

I’ll leave these thoughts here, and probably look at them again in a year or five or ten (god willing…small g) and probably laugh at myself for being so transparent, or so confused, or so on target. Until then, “Happy Birthday” to me.

Manifesto

A few months back I wrote up a list of my creative beliefs. These were relevant only to me, and only for that given moment. The more I sat with the list, and let it gestate, the more I liked it as a sort of ad hoc manifesto. You know, all the great movements seem to have a manifesto. Karl Marx had his; Martin Luther nailed his to the church door. The Situationists, the Dadaists… hell, even my therapist helped me focus on a Dharma code…a spiritual, intention focussing manifesto, so to speak.

I have this current manifesto stuck to my studio wall, and also have it as my laptop wallpaper, so I look at it on a regular basis. I incorporated different influences; some from improv, some from my therapy, some from my art studies, and some from my rage and depression (if I’m being 100% transparent, which I am…)
I thought I’d share it here, in hopes that it pushes you, dear reader, to consider your own creative, personal, expressive values.

Some thoughts on each:

“Inactivity is not laziness.” There is great value in doing nothing, and if given the time and space, to do nothing for as long as possible.

“Destruction is creation.” I cribbed this from Picasso, thought I think it is a biblical idiom originally. It really rings true for me, especially in regards to my art practice over the past couple of years.

“Give things away.” Sharing my thoughts, my words, my blog, my podcast, my zines, my photos is an integral part of my interaction with my muse and with my world.

“Expect no reward.” Money, fame, and validation are all fine and good, but I try to create (and to live) with no expectations of profit, monetary or otherwise.

“Expect no audience.” No one gives a shit about you and your artwork. Make it anyway.

“Make boredom valuable.” Much of life is underwhelming, if not outright mind-numbing drudgery. Use this reality as fodder for thinking of things to create.

“Make something every day.” Take a photo, write a note, sing a song, bake a loaf of bread. One creative act a day keeps the wolves at bay.

“Remain curious.” Hard to be bored when there is wonder all around you.

“Say ‘Yes, and…’’ ” As in improv, so in life. Agree and add to other ideas. Saying “no” ends all potential immediately.

“Be the ‘you’ the world needs.” A bit woo woo, a bit snowflakey, but I don’t care. You were born, you’ll die. Be the best version of yourself you can be.

“Live until you die.” Like they say in Shawshank Redemption…. Didn’t realize it was a Stephen King quote.

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feel free to snag this image for yourself…